Page 37 of The Autumn Leaf Bookshop (Everly Hollow #1)

A Night to Remember

Sylas

T he same live band that is to perform tomorrow is already assembled in front of the fountain for the ball. Their instruments gleam in the fading light, while lanterns and streetlights cast a perfect glow, transforming the evening into a dreamlike scene.

The sun descends into slumber, streaking the sky in ribbons of pink, light orange, and violet, while classical music drifts across the town square. The song is rich and full, vibrating through the cobblestone like a pulse.

A long table near the plaza is beautifully decorated with finger foods, vibrant and delicate desserts, and punch that shimmers in crystal bowls with matching glasses.

Food is always in abundance here. It’s an unspoken rule of Everly Hollow gatherings. The faint shimmer of glow moths fluttering above the square casts a dreamlike spell over everything.

Guests move across the space, some gliding over the temporary dance floor in extravagant gowns and sharp tuxedos, others lingering at tables in simple yet elegant dresses and tailored suits, sipping drinks and laughing in conversation .

Malik and Oriana sweep through a waltz with practiced grace. Nearby, Seren spins in a burst of giggles, clutching Dominik’s finger as her purple dress flares out like a blooming flower around her feet.

The mayor, his wife, and Elora stand near the refreshment tables, faces lit in awe as they greet the guests.

I loved the idea of a ball. A real dance. Something different than the other festivals that have been held in the past. I thought that a night that gives people a chance to dress up and let themselves be swept away for a night would be magical and memorable.

We wanted to make it a statement. A night to remember. Especially after the last day of the carnival yesterday. It’s nice to slow down after the constant adrenaline rush.

It was another day of sweet treats, delicious food, rides, and games. I took a picture of Raene at the petting zoo holding a fluffy grey rabbit, scrunching her nose up and twitching it like the animal in her arms. It’s now my phone’s lock screen image.

As much as I take in the beauty of this event, I haven’t seen her yet.

Raene.

The not knowing coils in my chest like a tangled string, my heart on the end of it like a yo-yo. I offered to pick her up, but she wanted to come with her grandmother, which in the end is perfect. It built the anticipation of seeing her.

The fall season may not be what she likes, but I’ve seen her smiling at something, laughing at something else.

I catch the ripple in the crowd as a few heads turn, and I follow their gaze.

She’s walking in from the parking lot with her grandmother, one hand lifting the hem of her dress just enough to keep it from brushing the ground.

Gold .

Her gown looks like gold had been poured and molded to fit the perfect shape of her body, catching every flicker of light until she glows like a gift from Ruskaya herself.

She spins in a slow circle before coming to a stop, giving me a wide smile. A few braids are down near her face, and the rest are pinned into a bun at the top of her head.

“You look—”

“Did I just take your breath away, Ash?

Yeah, yeah, you did.

“That and more…”

She takes a step towards me. Her hand is trailing the buttons of my vest. “You look handsome as ever, your suit is smart.”

I’m wearing a vintage deep green tweed suit, with an ivory dress shirt under my vest and a deep orange tie and matching pocket square. I tied my hair back, and she likes my ears.

“Thank you,” I whisper to her. My hand grips her chin lightly, my thumb tracing the outline of her lower lip.

“Do you want something to drink?” I ask her, my hand slipping into the small of her back, leading her to the punch bowl and arrangement of foods.

We eat, drink and chat with our friends, and the mayor and his wife, who thanked us for planning such a fantastic event. The feedback has been phenomenal. There is no way I could have done this without Raene. Her love of summer and not wanting to let her grandmother down inspired her creativity.

When everyone parts in their different directions, my eyes land on hers as she takes a look around, watching everyone enjoy themselves. Listening to the laughter and talking melt into the music. There’s pride in her expression. I just need a dance. One dance with her.

“Dance with me?”

She takes my hand without hesitation.

“ Oh …” she says excitedly, her eyes sparkling with wonder, “you have moves , Mr. Ashvale.”

Mister. I quite like that.

Her hand is gently placed on my shoulder, the other enclosed in mine as we glide across the dance floor.

“You like that, huh?” I smirk, giving her a quick twirl that bursts into a laugh, then pulling her body close, warmth spreading within my chest.

If I could bottle up her laugh and keep it, I would. “Wanna get out of here?” I whisper in a hushed tone.

“Trying to sneak me away already?” She teases, but her voice is threaded with want .

Her fingers slide from my shoulder to the back of my neck, and her fingers move in a slow, singular circle above my collar. The lightness of her touch sends tingles racing down my spine.

I have to bite back a groan, feeling high in the way that even the simplest touch by her makes my body react. I love it when she wants to touch my skin, even in the simplest form. Her touch warms my skin. She’s like a drug that goes deep into my veins.

“Yes,” I whisper against her ear again, making sure the truth leaves no room for doubt. “Yes, I am. I need as much time with you as I can get.”

“What are you doing?” She asks me, beginning to walk backwards on the stairs, a hand reaching out for balance against the trunk.

I dart my eyes up at the sound of the rustling in Nim’s wings before he takes off through the skylight and into the night.

Good.

“Do you know how stunning you look in that dress?” I ask her, gritting my teeth, as I make my way over to her.

She takes a step back, slipping on an edge of her dress before falling on her ass onto a step, breathing heavily.

“Oops,” I murmur. The corner of my mouth lifts. “Spread your legs. I want to hear the sounds you make when I do things to you in this dress.”

“Things…” she echoes slowly, bunching the hem of her dress, tugging it over her thighs, her knees falling open to the side.

“Damn it, Raene.” I fall to my knees, my hands inch up her thighs slowly, pushing the fabric of her dress further back.

“Already having me drop to my knees to worship you, huh?”

Her eyes are full of heat, and I feel the warmth radiating off her skin. She rolls her hips, searching for friction. “ Show me how you want to worship me,” she says in a whisper. It's a plea.

I reach under her dress and gently pull her lace thong down her legs, over her shoes, and toss it over my shoulder.

She grabs one of the iron spindles as I lift her ass into my hands, her legs on my shoulders, and begin to tease her with my tongue. Her body writhes as she whimpers in pleasure. I devour her like a starving man, savoring the taste of her, lapping her with my tongue but making sure I take my time.

Her body arches and begs for more when a low moan escapes her lips. I begin pumping two fingers in her, her body rocking back and forth as she leans on her elbows, my fingertips squeezing on her perfect ass.

I want her to melt against my mouth. I can feel her thighs tremble, her breath turning into sharp gasps as the pressure of my fingers, warmth from my tongue, continues to stoke the fire that burns low in her belly.

Another sound slips from her throat—raw and needy—as I suck on her clit and stroke my fingers upward.

“Ash!” Her body still trembles as she rides it out.

I stand up and pull her to her feet; her knees wobble a bit.

I love that.

“I need you so bad right now, baby.” I start to undo my belt.

“Right here?” She asks, tilting her head slightly. Her eyes are bright, yet full of curiosity and lust.

“Yes.” I turn her around near the bottom step. Her hands immediately reach out to grip the railing .

“Right now.”

“Mm-hmm.” I move her hair to the side and kiss her neck.

“With my dress and shoes on?” She asks me, starting to spread her legs.

“Fuck…yes. Now bend a little.”

Perfect.

“Good girl,” I say, my voice low, like a growl is tearing its way through my throat. “I love that fucking mouth, but you’re such a good listener.”

I line myself up at her entrance, feeling her so wet for me as I push in slowly.

“Keep talking to me, goddess, or I’m not going to last long.”

Fuck.

I bury myself, inch by inch, pulling back only to sink deeper with each thrust. Skin against skin, heat and craving tangling, she cries out.

“Don’t stop, keep going…” she moans.

I grip her hips hard, pulling out and pushing in, pulling her back to meet every deep stroke I take.

Every thrust is frantic, as I listen to her cries.

“Goddess…Ash…It feels so good.”

I moan, my head tossing back as I continue thrusting deep inside her.

“Shit, baby…you feel perfect .”

“Come for me, Ash, I need you.”

“ Raene,” her name slips from my lips in a moan as I finish inside her.

She gasps, rolling her hips back as she says my name. The words roll off her lips like a promise.

I hold on to her for a moment before I pull out, tugging my pants back in place, catching my breath. With her dress falling back to its length, her body saunters in the direction of her lacy panties.

She squats to retrieve them, and she chooses to lie down on the cool floorboards. The fabric balled in the palm of her hand.

“Why does it feel like that?” She pants. Her eyes are lost on the skylights, where the stars spill silver light into the bookshop, mingling with the golden shimmer of leaves.

I remove my shoes and vest and make my way over to her. I don’t even think we’ll go back out to the ball. I’m quite content just staying here.

She’s still on the ground, lifting her legs to take off her shoes, tossing them to the side. Her dress pools around her like poured gold. Her breathing is uneven.

I lower myself beside her, the cool wood pressing into my back, my arm brushing hers.

“I don’t know,” I finally answer, my voice rough. Maybe because time is running out, it feels like this.